UN-Backed Accord Aims To Cut Technical Trade Barriers For Developing Countries
Developing countries are set to benefit from a United Nations-backed partnership announced today that seeks to establish
a coherent system of measurements throughout the world to minimize technical barriers to trade which are still a major
obstacle to exports.
The UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the inter-governmental International Bureau of Weights and
Measure (BIPM) and the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) agreed to join forces to assist focus
countries integrate more beneficially into the global economy, thus enhancing the impact of industrial development on
economic growth.
Concrete technical areas of cooperation include the establishment of training guides to assist developing countries
overcome metrology and legal metrology issues at the laboratory level.
With this agreement, UNIDO is partnering with two major global players who are crucial to successfully building capacity in standards and
conformity as well as compliance with sanitary and phyto-sanitary measures that seek to ensure food safety and animal
and plant health.
The agreement will not only reinforce UNIDO’s ability to deliver technical assistance, but also help further its
position as a key agency for implementing projects to eliminate technical barriers to trade.
Effective immediately, the accord was signed by UNIDO Director-General, Kandeh Yumkella, BIPM Director Andrew J.
Wallard, representing OIML, and International Committee of Legal Metrology (CIML) President Alan Johnston.
Established in 1966, UNIDO works towards improving the quality of life of the world’s poor by helping countries achieve
sustainable industrial development.
ENDS